Things to do in Longreach

The colours of the outback come alive at sunset as you glide down the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer. After a warm welcome by the experienced crew, take your seat on the top deck ready to capture 360-degree sweeping, river and floodplain views. The Captain will enthral you with captivating stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous heritage. Purchase an icy cold drink from our licensed bar to pair with complimentary savoury nibble delights. Photo opportunities are endless, but the stop at Sunset Bend is the hands-down favourite. As the vibrant sunset colours fade into starlight, the boat will dock at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. Relax under the stars with table-service dining featuring camp-oven themed modern cuisine. Live on stage, their talented musical performer will entertain you with their songs and stories.

Outback Pioneers’ sunset cruise was the original Thomson River Cruise and is still the favourite with its historic ‘Thomson Belle’ paddlewheeler and traditional riverbank entertainment, including a stockmen’s dinner around the campfire. As the sun goes down, the river is a peaceful environment of reflections and colour – perfect for photos. Then step ashore at our riverbank site and gather around the crackling fire for tales and bush poetry. Watch Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show featuring our exclusive movie about the adventures of Captain Starlight (aka Harry Redford). The 3pm cruise (available select dates) is a leisurely experience with an additional hour to watch the sunset from the riverbank terrace, right next to the Pride of the Murray restoration project.

Settle back and enjoy an evening to remember dining under the stars beside the Coolibah-lined Thomson River. Enjoy full table service as you tuck into a delicious two-course camp oven-themed dinner at Smithy’s, followed by freshly baked damper and billy tea. A good selection of wine, cold beer, soft drinks and select pre-mixes is available for purchase from the licensed bar. Live on stage, talented outback performers will entertain you with their songs and stories. A night out at the award-winning Smithy’s is a ‘must do’ when in Longreach – an experience that is bound to be a highlight of your Australian Outback experience.

The Silver-Tails Rail Sunset Outback Rail Adventure offers a unique and enchanting experience in the Australian Outback. This two-hour journey departs from Longreach and takes you through stunning landscapes, including floodplains, Gidgee, Open Downs, Ghost Gums, and Red Mulga Country. As the sun sets, you'll enjoy signature canapés and champagne (additional cost) while soaking in the breathtaking views. The heritage 2000 class rail motors provide a comfortable and nostalgic ride, making this adventure a perfect way to end your day in the Outback.

The First Class Experience Explore the main museum building including our Avro 504k replica, Rolls Royce RB211 747 engine, Bristol Fighter WWI simulator, artifacts and exhibits from the early days of Qantas right up until now. Venture into the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar - the oldest civil aviation structure in Australia! See the DH-50, the kind of aircraft that started the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and climb aboard the DH-61 - the first aircraft with a toilet onboard! Join one of our incredible tour guides on a 90 minute journey through our Airpark enclosure with a look at our Douglas DC-3 and then climb aboard the Lockheed Super Constellation for a trip through golden age of air travel. View the Catalina amphibious aircraft. Next you'll board our Boeing 707 - the first jet aircraft Qantas ever purchased and the first jet registered in Australia and learn about its incredible journey to be at the museum - it involves Saudi Arabian princes, Michael Jackson, John Travolta and the largest sum ever spent by the museum to acquire a jet aircraft - but you'll have to do the tour to know more. Next up you'll explore the Queen of the Skies, the Boeing 747-200 including a visit to the upper deck and a look inside the flight deck. You'll also have the opportunity to stand inside one of the 747's four Rolls Royce engines and have your photo taken inside (photos available in the gift shop for an additional cost). Its then time for your 747 Flight Deck & Wing Walk Experience - climb into the pilot's seat and be awed by the 900+ switches, knobs and levers that control this marvel of modern engineering. Explore the 747 in greater detail and then harness up for an experience unlike any other - walking on the wing of the Boeing 747! This experience cannot be missed!

Hear the stories about Longreach, its history, people and the town itself. Gain an insight into how people live in Outback Queensland. Visit some of the interesting historical places around town. A great introduction to all the interesting things Longreach has to offer.

Discover the incredible land types of the Longreach region on an unforgettable train trip. Relax by rail as you travel through the incredible landscapes from the Dreamtime of the Inningai people to the Darr River. Watch as the countryside changes from floodplains to Gidgee scrub, then open Boree, to Leander sand ridge, and the Mulga country. Disembark the train at an exclusive location to enjoy a guided Mulga Walk where you learn about the native flora. On arrival at Darr River soak up the atmosphere of one of the major tributaries of the Thomson River and Cooper Creek Catchment. Savor the peaceful surroundings as your guide boils the billy for Smoko. After an incredible Outback Rail Adventure on the Great Darr River Rail Run, re-board the train for the journey back to Longreach Railway Station.

Be immersed in Outback Queensland's sheep history. Travelling to Ilfracombe experience our big sky country and learn about what this country has to offer and how people live on the "land". Once you get to Ilfracombe there will be time to explore Machinery Mile and the Wellshot Centre and find out how the country rode on the sheep's back. Lunch (at your own expense) is at the famous Wellshot Hotel - containing a lot of history and renowned for its quirky themes and activities.

Travelling the two hours to Winton from Longreach, you get a sense of the vastness of our country and the rich colours of the land. Then, in Winton, you’re in a fascinating outback town known for its Banjo Paterson history and dinosaur discoveries. This is where Waltzing Matilda was first performed in the famous North Gregory Hotel and where the outback film industry finds so many evocative locations. It’s the home of the award-winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, where incredible stories come to life. And it celebrates its heritage with the distinctive Waltzing Matilda Centre, where you can explore one of Australia’s favourite songs.

The colours of the outback come alive at sunset as you glide down the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer. After a warm welcome by the experienced crew, take your seat on the top deck ready to capture 360-degree sweeping, river and floodplain views. The Captain will enthral you with captivating stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous heritage. Purchase an icy cold drink from our licensed bar to pair with complimentary savoury nibble delights. Photo opportunities are endless, but the stop at Sunset Bend is the hands-down favourite.